Climate and monthly weather forecastKandy, Sri Lanka

The climate of Kandy

Kandy, in Sri Lanka, is situated in a predominately tropical rainforest climate zone, also referred to as Af according to the Köppen climate classification. This implies a degree of consistency in the weather conditions throughout the year. The city experiences warm temperatures, generally ranging from 18.1°C (64.6°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F). Neither extreme heat nor frigid temperatures are prevalent here, regardless of the month.

Moving to precipitation, Kandy has a characteristically rainy environment. Rainfall varies from 38mm (1.5") to 301mm (11.85") per month, with the wettest months being September to December. The frequency of rainy days follows a similar pattern, accumulating from 14.1 to 28.6 days per month. October often has more than 300mm (11.81") of rain and 27.4 rainy days, marking it as the wettest month.

Other noticeable weather parameters include relative humidity, which stays between 74 and 84% throughout the year. The region also enjoys consistent daylight hours, fluctuating mildly from 11.7 to 12.5 hours, providing ample daytime. Furthermore, the average wind speed ranges from 4.7km/h (2.9mph) to 13.5km/h (8.4mph), thus it is not particularly windy.

The best time to visit Kandy

Taking into consideration the various climatic factors, the best time to visit Kandy is during the January-April period. The temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging from 29.7°C (85.5°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F) for the daily highs and 18.1°C (64.6°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F) for the daily lows. Alongside pleasing temperatures, these months experience relatively less rainfall, which ranges from 38mm (1.5") to 152mm (5.98"). Additionally, the frequency of rainy days is also lower, varying from 14.5 to 27 days. Added hours of sunlight that vary from 8.7h to 9.4h and a wind speed that stays under 9.3km/h (5.8mph) make these months ideal for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Kandy

Conversely, October brings less favorable conditions for tourists. The weather sees the highest average rainfall of 301mm (11.85"), coupled with the most number of rainy days - 27.4 in the month. This period also records a lower number of sunshine hours - 7.9h per day, making it less preferable for outdoor activities. Thus, October can be deemed as relatively unfavorable for visits.

Spring weather in Kandy

In Kandy, spring encompasses the months of March, April, and May. During this period, average high temperatures gradually decrease from 31.5°C (88.7°F) in March to 30.1°C (86.2°F) in May. Simultaneously, the average low temperatures rise from 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). Rainfall heightens significantly in this season, starting at 72mm (2.83") in March, peaking at 163mm (6.42") in May. The number of rainy days follows a similar trend, increasing from 18.9 to 28.6 days.

Summer weather in Kandy

Summer in Kandy, spanning June, July, and August, brings a slight dip in temperatures, with highs moving between 29.3°C (84.7°F) and 29.2°C (84.6°F), and lows resting from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F). Rainfall reduces considerably, averaging 57mm (2.24") in June and 84mm (3.31") in August. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days drops to between 24.3 and 25.8 days.

Autumn weather in Kandy

During the autumn months of September, October, and November, Kandy witnesses a gradual drop in temperatures, with average highs moving between 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F) and lows from 21.1°C (70°F) to 20.1°C (68.2°F). However, this period marks the onset of heavy rainfall, with figures escalating from 118mm (4.65") in September to a staggering 301mm (11.85") in October, and retaining high at 216mm (8.5") in November. An increase in the count of rainy days, from 23.4 to 27.4, mirrors this trend.

Winter weather in Kandy

Winter, encompassing December, January, and February, sees temperatures fluctuate between 18.2°C (64.8°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F). Additionally, rainfall decreases significantly during winter, dropping from 118mm (4.65") in December to a yearly low of 38mm (1.5") in February. Alongside the substantial drop in rainfall, the number of rainy days also reduces, ranging between 22.9 and 14.1 days. Overall, the winter months present a blend of warm temperatures and relatively lower rainfall; these conditions often make winter an agreeable time for visits to Kandy.

Weather in January

January weather in Kandy, Sri Lanka brings about a fresh start to the year with balanced temperatures as it is not excessively hot nor too cold. The first month of the year signals the advent of the dry season, emphasizing the tropic nature of Kandy. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As Kandy transitions from January to February, minor differences in the climatic conditions can be detected. Overall, February is a repeat of January's weather patterns, with only minor adjustments in wind speed, pressure, and daylight hours. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Maintaining the trend from the preceding months, Kandy's March weather remains consistent with the dry season’s pattern, promising ample daylight hours and an agreeable temperature range. Warmer climes start to settle in when compared from February to March, evident from the slightly higher temperature average. Weather in March »

Weather in April

The month of April remains true to Kandy’s equatorial monsoon pattern by bringing in more humidity and escalating the rainfall to 152mm (5.98"). A shift in climate is noticed from March to April, introducing more pronounced wet conditions. Weather in April »

Weather in May

In May, Kandy's humid tropical climate reaches its peak, maintaining fairly stable temperatures and hitting a high rainfall mark. When observed closely, the shift from April to May indicates a continued increase in precipitation, with the city recording its maximum rainfall, ringing in at 163mm (6.42"). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June signals a subtle shift in Kandy’s weather pattern, marking the end of the wet spell. The month stands out by challenging the notion, that Sri Lanka being a tropical country, experiences harsh equatorial temperatures. As June rolls in, the temperature and rainfall face a modest drop from their May levels. Weather in June »

Weather in July

The seventh month brings noticeable changes in temperature and humidity to Kandy, characterized by a continuation of the downward trend initiated in June. Monsoon winds gradually wane in comparison to the previous month, with their speed at approximately 12.6km/h (7.8mph). Weather in July »

Weather in August

By the time August rolls around, Kandy's yearly patterns have placed it at a crucial transitional phase between the warm, humid monsoon period and relatively cooler, drier months ahead. While August carries over much of July's weather characteristics, the slight drop in wind speed to 11.6km/h (7.2mph) distinguishes it. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Kandy signifies a gradual shift towards the cooler end of the year. The weather promises abundant daylight and a pleasant climatic outlook, welcoming visitors with its scenic beauty. The wind speed registers a figure of 10.8km/h (6.7mph) in this month. Weather in September »

Weather in October

Entering October, Kandy welcomes the second major rainfall of the year, shaping the city's weather by bringing about a considerable increase in precipitation from September to October. October, with a rainfall reaching up to 301mm (11.85"), records the second peak in rainfall for the year. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November's weather patterns in Kandy maintain the excessive showers and the relatively high humidity levels from the previous month. The climate remains comfortably warm, creating a welcoming balance for those seeking to explore the city. Weather in November »

Weather in December

As Kandy moves into the final month of the year, it prepares to shift its weather towards the drier side. December possesses a kind of climatic equilibrium by retaining the warmth of the year-end without allowing the negligible decrease from November to December to cause any significant impact. Weather in December »